Calls for new super flu vaccines in Aust

Discussions to fast-track the availability of a super flu vaccine for the elderly are underway after a deadly season claimed 546 lives, mostly older Australians.

Australia's Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy has conceded the current seasonal flu vaccine hadn't been as effective in the over 65s, but rejected as "utterly false" claims the federal government had bought a cheaper product.

"The vaccines that were purchased for this year's seasonal influenza were the best available vaccines in Australia, the same vaccines that are available in the private market, the same vaccines that are used in other countries," Prof Murphy said.

More than 217,000 Australians had laboratory confirmed cases of the flu this year - more than double the previous record of just over 100,000 in 2015, which doctors have blamed on the use of a "cheap" and ineffective vaccine.

Influenza expert and chair of the Immunisation Coalition Professor Paul Van Buynder says stronger 'super' vaccines were available overseas but because of licensing issues and the purchasing process they could not be accessed here.

"We didn't have a choice to get the better one," Prof Van Buynder said, adding the federal government must ensure the best vaccine is available to over 65s next season.

The Victorian and NSW health ministers, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and National Seniors Australia also support the call.

Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy says the evidence used to choose this season's vaccine must be reviewed as it's clear the product that was used wasn't effective against some flu strains.

"But that's not to say that anyone's done the wrong thing, it is a difficult process making those predictions," Ms Hennessy said.

For supply through the National Immunisation Program vaccines need to be registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) based on strain advice from the World Health Organization.

Manufacturers have not yet sought regulatory approval for the sale of these super vaccines in Australia, meaning they were not considered for purchase last year.

But Prof Murphy says this could soon change.

"We now have been in discussions with the companies to consider whether we might make them available through the registration process for future years simply because we have had evidence of reduced vaccine effectiveness in the elderly," Prof Murphy said.

"But it's important to note that these enhanced vaccines are only available for and used for the elderly, the rest of the community would always be protected by the vaccines that we use every year which are the best available vaccines."

One company in discussions with the health department is Seqirus.

Vice president of commercial operations Dr Lorna Meldrum said the company was "working to expedite regulation of our enhanced vaccine."